Pivoting bracket for a post

ABSTRACT

A bracket device for use with a misaligned post, the bracket comprising a first bracket portion for receiving a first end portion of the post, a second bracket portion for receiving a second end portion of the post, a pivoting means between and connected to the first bracket portion and the second bracket portion, wherein one or more angles of the misaligned post is adjusted using the pivoting means to correct the alignment of the post. The pivoting means includes a locking mechanism to secure the angle of the post. The bracket device may be installed on a fence that is in place, enabling repairs without removing the fence. As well, the bracket device may be utilized as part of the initial installation and construction of a new fence.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to a bracket device for adjusting theangle of a post. More particularly, the present application relates to abracket device having a pivot between to two brackets into whichportions of a post are inserted, and the bracket adjusts the angle of apost to straighten it, where the pivot may be locked in place.

BACKGROUND

The cost of replacing a wood fence post is between $250 and $1000 in2020, with the price of construction material skyrocketing it is moreand more important for homeowner to get as long life as possible oftheir investment.

Currently, when fixing a fence, most contractors will remove the postand replace with a new post and concrete cast, this process takes timeand is expensive. Homeowners can replace and cast concrete orreplacement product for concrete for a lower price but it is labourintensive.

There are some alternative conventional products on the market that canbe used to fix a leaning fence and all work to a certain degree into aspecific situation. However, if the soil is moved again it becomesharder to fix the same post again.

One conventional solution is a horizontal pivot bracket that attaches toa vertical post and allow for up to 35 degrees of rotation to attach ahorizontal post. Another conventional solution described in U.S. Pat.No. 5,884,874 includes a fence post anchor that adjusts for verticalpost alignment by providing a post engagement support portion thatswivels on a ground engagement portion (abstract). As well, a furtherconventional solution described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,219,872 provides anadjustable post support for use in supporting a post vertically abovethe ground. The support includes a lower spike portion and an upperbracket portion, and provides a ball and socket type connection betweenthe lower spike portion and the upper bracket portion (abstract)Accordingly, an improved solution for fixing the position of a verticalpost is required.

SUMMARY

The present application provides a tilt adjust repair bracket. Thebracket allows for the correction of a post angle without having toreplace the concrete foundation of the post. The bracket device of thepresent application provides a pivot system to fix the angle of a fencepost.

The bracket device of the present application comprises a first bracketfor receiving a first end of a post, a second bracket for receiving asecond end of a post and a pivoting means between the two brackets. Withthe bracket device of the present application, the bracket device may beinstalled on a fence that is in place (e.g. pre-existing installedfence), enabling repairs without removing the fence. As well, thebracket device of the present application may be utilized as part of theinitial installation and construction of a new fence.

A bracket device is provided for use with a post, the bracket comprisinga first bracket portion for receiving a first end portion of the post; asecond bracket portion for receiving a second end portion of the post; apivoting means connecting the first bracket portion and the secondbracket portion; and one or more fasteners attached between the firstbracket portion and the second bracket portion; wherein the angle of thepost is adjusted using the one or more fasteners and the pivoting means.The pivoting means includes a locking mechanism to secure the angle ofthe post.

A bracket device for use with a post comprising a first post portion anda second post portion, the bracket device comprising a first bracketportion for receiving an end of the first post portion; a second bracketportion for receiving an end of the second post portion; and a pivotingmeans positioned between and connected to the first bracket portion andsecond bracket portion for adjusting one or more angles of the post. Theone or more angles of the post are adjusted using the pivoting means.

A bracket device for use with a misaligned post, the bracket comprisinga first bracket portion for receiving a first end portion of the post, asecond bracket portion for receiving a second end portion of the post, apivoting means between and connected to the first bracket portion andthe second bracket portion, wherein one or more angles of the misalignedpost is adjusted using the pivoting means to correct the alignment ofthe post.

A method of repairing a tilted post, the method comprising: cutting thepost at a first location resulting in a cut post portion and a base postportion; attaching a bracket device to the post, the bracket devicecomprising: a first bracket portion for receiving an end of the cut postportion; a second bracket portion for receiving an end of the base postportion; a pivoting means positioned between and connected to the firstbracket portion and the second bracket portion; and adjusting one ormore angles of the cut post portion using the pivoting means.

A bracket device for use with a post being installed on uneven ground,the bracket device comprising: a post support for receiving an end ofthe post; a base; and a pivoting means between and connected to the flatbase and the bottom of the post support, wherein one or more angles ofthe post is adjusted using the pivoting means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows an example of misaligned post in accordance with oneexample embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B shows an example of a cut misaligned post in accordance with oneexample embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A shows an example of a bracket device attached to a misalignedpost in accordance with one example embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2B shows an example of the bracket device adjusting the angle andalignment of the misaligned post in accordance with one exampleembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows an example of a pivoting mechanism of the bracket device inaccordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4 shows an example of a flat base bracket with an adjustable baseand pivoting mechanism, in accordance with another example embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certainillustrative aspects are described herein in connection with thefollowing description and the annexed drawings. These aspects areindicative of the various ways in which the principles disclosed hereincan be practiced. Other advantages and novel features will becomeapparent from the following detailed description when considered inconjunction with the drawings.

FIG. 1A illustrates an example of misaligned post (e.g. tilted post) inaccordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure. Asshown in FIG. 1A, there is an example of a misaligned post 100, where inthe example the post 100 is 3 degrees off from a straight verticalposition. This is only one example and the angle can vary. In an examplemethod of the present application, the misaligned post 100 is cut nearits base. In an example embodiment the post 100 is first cutapproximately 4 inches from the ground. A second cut is made on the post100 approximately 2 inches above the previous cut (e.g. or 6 inches fromthe ground) for bracket clearance. That is, the distance between thefirst cut and the second cut corresponds to the height a bracket devicewhen installed on the post 100. This ensures that the post 100 willremain at the same height it was prior to the repair (e.g. post 100height will match other posts on a fence). The portion 102 cut from thepost 100 is removed and not used (e.g. discarded). In other embodiments,only one cut is made to the post and the height of the repaired post isadjusted after the repair, for example by cutting the top of the post.FIG. 1B illustrates the misaligned post 100 after the two cuts, showinga top portion 110 of the post 100 and a bottom portion 120 of the post.By leaving the concrete support with the base portion 120 of the post inposition, the post 100 has great stability for the future. In otherembodiments the distance of the cuts on the post 100 may be differentthan what was previously described. For example, the diameter (e.g.size) of the post 100 (e.g. smaller or larger) as well the size of thebracket device (e.g. smaller or larger) may affect where the first andsecond cuts are made on the post 100 (e.g. different distances may beused to install the bracket device).

FIG. 2A illustrates an example of a bracket device 200 attached to thetop portion 110 and bottom portion 120 of the post 100, in accordancewith one example embodiment of the present disclosure. The bracketdevice 200 includes a first end cover 210 (e.g. repair bracket, firstbracket portion), a second end cover 220 (e.g. base bracket, secondbracket portion), a plurality of adjustable bolts 240 (e.g. screws,other adjustable fastening means) and a pivoting means 250. The shape ofthe first and second end covers 210, 220 correspond to the shape of theends of the first and second portions 110, 120 of the post 100. As well,the first end cover 210 and the second end cover 220 each have a recessfor receiving the end of the first end portion 110 and the end of thesecond portion 120, respectively. The first and second end covers 210,220 are connected to each other by a pivoting means 250 (e.g. thepivoting means is attached to each of the first and second end covers210, 220). The pivoting means 250 facilitates the motion of pivoting thepost 100 and locking the post 100 in the desired position with the bolts240. In an embodiment, the pivoting means 250 provides for the capacityof rotation of the bracket on one fixed axis where the center ofrotation is at the center of a retaining pin (not shown) that is securedin the hole 251 of the pivoting means 250 (e.g. the pivoting meanspivots along one axis of freedom). In other embodiments, the pivotingmeans 250 may have a different shape and design and provide rotation inmore than one axis such (e.g. the pivoting means pivots or rotates alongtwo axes of freedom) and may provide for example 360 degrees ofrotation. For example, the pivoting means may be a pivot joint, a swivelball joint or other rotating joint. In use, the bracket device 200 isplaced between the top portion 110 and bottom portion 120 of the post100 (e.g. between the two cuts). Then the bracket device 200 is securedto the top portion 110 of the post 100 with fasteners. In exampleembodiments, the fasteners may be a bolt, clevis pin or similar hollowtype of pin. The type of fastener used may depend on the size, shape andmaterial of the post 100. For example, for a wood post a combination ofthrough bolt and screw may be used.

In the example embodiment, once the bracket 200 is secured to the post100, the adjustable bolts 240 are used to adjust the angle of the topportion 110 of the post 100 to align it vertically. For example and asshown in FIG. 2B, when the angle is adjusted the top portion 110 of thepost 100 will be straight vertically while the bottom portion 120 willremain skewed (e.g. in the angle position it was in at the start of thepost repair). In the example embodiment there are four adjustable bolts240, however in other embodiments another number of bolts may be used.The adjustable bolts 240 may facilitate additional adjustment of theangles of the post. As well, in some embodiments no adjustable bolts areused and the pivoting means alone provides the adjustment of the anglesto correct the alignment of the post. In another embodiment, a lockingmechanism is used, for example a horizontal threaded pin that oncetightened with a proper locking nut, will secure the angle of thebracket 200 in the position that the post 100 is to be straightened.Other locking mechanisms may be used, for example a locking leverattaching to the pivoting means. As well, the post 100 is able to rotatefreely for the readjustment of the bracket 200 when the lockingmechanism is loosened. The use of this bracket 200 design may bedependent on the size of the post 100 and the vertical force applied onthe bracket.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a pivoting mechanism 300 (e.g. pivotingmeans) of the bracket device in accordance with another exampleembodiment of the present disclosure. In this example embodiment, thepivoting mechanism 300 comprises a flat top 310, a flat bottom 320, apivoting mechanism 350 (e.g. pivoting means) and a plurality of bolts340. As shown in FIG. 3 , the shape of the pivoting mechanism 350 ispyramidal. Utilizing the pivoting mechanism 350 the angle of the post100 may be adjusted along two axes of freedom using the bolts 340 whilepreventing torsion movement, the adjusted angle resulting in the post100 being positioned in the right orientation (e.g. vertical). Forexample, the bolts 340 are each rotated to have the bolt head pushagainst the interior side of the flat bottom 320. The bolts 340 may berotated different amounts to achieve the desired angle to cause the post100 to be straightened (e.g. vertically upright). In use, the pivotingmechanism 350 may be used on a corner post where the correction to thetilt would be required in two planes. In other embodiments, the pivotingmechanism 350 may have a different shape and configuration.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a flat base bracket with an adjustablebase and pivoting mechanism, in accordance with another exampleembodiment of the present disclosure. The base bracket 400 includes apost support 410, an adjustable base 420 and a pivoting mechanism 430(e.g. pivoting means). The base bracket 400 may be used when there is apost is to be erected on uneven ground (e.g. unlevel concrete). In use,the post 100 is positioned in the post support 410, and fasteners may beused to secure the post 100 in the post support 410. In the exampleshown, the post support 410 has a plurality of holes 411 that canreceive screws or nails to secure the post 100 in the post support 410.And the pivoting mechanism 430 facilitates the pivoting of the post 100to an angle that causes the post 100 to be in a vertical position (e.g.adjust the angle of the post 100 to correct for the uneven ground). Thepivoting mechanism 430 also has a locking mechanism to secure and lockthe angle of the post 100 in the post support 410 (e.g. to secure thepost in place of the adjusted angle). For example, the locking mechanismmay be a retaining pin placed in the hole 431 of the pivoting mechanism430. In other embodiments the locking mechanism may be a locking leverattaching to the pivoting mechanism 430. The adjustable base 420 issecured to the ground, which may be a concrete ground or other type ofground surface. In the example embodiment, the base 420 has a pluralityof holes 421 to receive fasteners such as anchor bolts to secure thebase 420 to the ground. In other embodiments, other securing means maybe used such as epoxy adhesives. As well, the example base 420 shown isgenerally flat but in other embodiments the base 420 may have adifferent shape and configuration to accommodate the ground it is beinginstalled on.

The bracket device 200 may be fabricated by bending sheet metal to formthe first end cover 210 (e.g. repair bracket) and a second end cover220. The sheet metal may be with or without a powder coating. Thefabrication of the bracket device 200 is low cost and is easy toprototype and use. In other embodiments, other materials may be used tofabricate the bracket device 200.

The bracket devices and pivoting mechanisms described in the applicationmay be made of, for example, sheet metal, vinyl, plastic and compositematerials or other materials. The bracket devices and pivotingmechanisms described herein may be manufactured using metal fabrication,additive manufacturing, powder metallurgy, metal infection molding,plastic injection molding, forming, extrusions, or other methods offabrication.

As well, in other embodiments the bracket device 200 may have adifferent size, shape and configuration. The main pivot design ofpivoting mechanism 300 may be used for the posts having the same size(e.g. diameter) between the first end cover 210 (e.g. repair bracket)and the second end cover 220 (e.g. base bracket).

The bracket device 200 may be installed as a pivot mechanism into a postbase support when a new fence is being built. As well, the bracketdevice 200 may be used with wood posts as well as posts made of othermaterials such as metal or vinyl. Also, a bracket cover may be used tocover the installed bracket device 200 for aesthetic purposes (e.g. thebracket cover has the same or similar colour as the post material toprovide a seamless and uniform appearance).

What has been described above includes examples of the disclosedarchitecture. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable combination of components and/or methodologies, but one ofordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinationsand permutations are possible. Accordingly, the novel architecture isintended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations.Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in eitherthe detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to beinclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising”is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit thepresent invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order tobest explain the principles of the present invention and its practicalapplication, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilizethe present invention and various embodiments with various modificationsas are suited to the particular use contemplated.

1. A bracket device for use with a post comprising a first post portionand a second post portion, the bracket device comprising: a firstbracket portion for receiving an end of the first post portion; a secondbracket portion for receiving an end of the second post portion; and apivoting means positioned between and connected to the first bracketportion and second bracket portion for adjusting one or more angles ofthe post.
 2. The bracket device of claim 1, wherein the pivoting meanspivots along one axis of freedom.
 3. The bracket device of claim 1,wherein the pivoting means pivots along two axes of freedom.
 4. Thebracket device of claim 1, wherein a misalignment of the post iscorrected by adjusting the pivoting means.
 5. The bracket device ofclaim 1, wherein the pivoting means includes a locking mechanism tosecure the post in place with the adjusted one or more angles.
 6. Thebracket device of claim 1, further comprising one or more adjustingmeans between the first bracket portion and the second bracket portionfor additional adjustment of the one or more angles of the post.
 7. Thebracket device of claim 1, wherein the first bracket portion and thesecond bracket portion each comprise a base and two side portionsextending perpendicular from opposing sides of the base, wherein the twoside portions each have a plurality of holes for use with a plurality offasteners to secure the first and second bracket portions to the post.8. The bracket device of claim 1, wherein the post is part of apre-existing fence and the bracket device is installed on the postwithout removing the fence.
 9. The bracket device of claim 1, whereinthe bracket device is installed on the post during the construction of afence.
 10. The bracket device of claim 1, wherein the first post portionis a cut post portion and the second post portion is a base post portionhaving one end secured to the ground.
 11. The bracket device of claim 1,further comprising a plurality of adjustable bolts positioned betweenthe first bracket portion and the second bracket portion and adjacent tothe pivoting mechanism, wherein the adjustable bolts are each rotated tohave the bolt head push against the second bracket portion to adjust oneor more angles of the post.
 12. The bracket device of claim 11, whereinthe plurality of adjustable bolts are rotated by different amounts toachieve the desired adjusted one or more angles of the second bracketportion to cause the post to be straightened.
 13. A method of repairinga misaligned post, the method comprising: cutting the post at a firstlocation resulting in a cut post portion and a base post portion;attaching a bracket device to the post, the bracket device comprising: afirst bracket portion for receiving an end of the cut post portion; asecond bracket portion for receiving an end of the base post portion; apivoting means positioned between and connected to the first bracketportion and the second bracket portion; and adjusting one or more anglesof the cut post portion using the pivoting means.
 14. The method ofclaim 13, further comprising cutting the post at a second location, apredetermined distance away from the first cut location, thepredetermined distance corresponding to the height of the bracketdevice, wherein the repaired post has the same height as before therepair.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the adjusted angles causethe cut post portion to be straightened vertically.
 16. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the step of adjusting includes adjusting two angles ofthe cut post portion along two axes of freedom.
 17. The method of claim13, wherein the method of repairing the misaligned post is performed onthe post without removing the post from a fence.
 18. A bracket devicefor use with a post being installed on uneven ground, the bracket devicecomprising: a post support for receiving an end of the post; a base; anda pivoting means between and connected to the flat base and the bottomof the post support, wherein one or more angles of the post is adjustedusing the pivoting means.
 19. The bracket device of claim 18, wherein aplurality of holes on the base for use with a plurality of bolts areused to secure the bracket device to the ground.
 20. The bracket deviceof claim 18, wherein the pivoting means includes a locking mechanism tosecure the post in place with the adjusted one or more angles.